Package system with distribution gas insert

ABSTRACT

Packaging systems ( 304 ) are provided for preventing post harvest microbial, including but not limited to fungal, diseases of food systems, such as but not limited to fresh produce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, and/or the like). For example, various anti-microbial (e.g., anti-fungal) compounds (including multi-component compositions that can be selectively activated) can be incorporated into a container or sachet ( 26, 112 ) that in turn can be incorporated into a package insert ( 10, 100, 202, 300 ). The package insert ( 10, 100, 202, 300 ) can include various surfaces that are provided with a plurality of holes ( 22, 108, 204 ) formed therein for allowing the anti-microbial (e.g., anti-fungal) compounds to diffuse through the package insert ( 10, 110, 202, 300 ) and out through the plurality of holes ( 22, 108, 204 ). The package insert ( 10, 110, 202, 300 ) can be placed into a produce container ( 304 ), wherein the produce can then be introduced into the produce container ( 304 ) such that the produce is in proximity to the plurality of holes ( 22, 108, 204 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/955,299, filed Aug. 10, 2007, the entirespecification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to systems for preventing postharvest diseases of produce and more specifically to packaging systemsincorporating anti-microbial (e.g., anti-fungal) compounds forpreventing post harvest microbial (e.g., fungal) diseases of freshproduce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries,blueberries and/or the like).

2. Description of the Related Art

Fresh produce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries,blueberries, and/or the like), are perishable items with a relativelyshort lifespan. High levels of sugars and other nutrients, along with anideal water activity and low pH, provide a growth medium for variousmicroorganisms, including various fungi. Post harvest losses duringfresh produce storage and marketing, including but not limited to berrystorage and marketing, are mainly caused by fungi such as Colletotrichumacutatum, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea. Other species offungi that produce various post harvest diseases in fresh produceinclude Gliocephalotrichum microchlamydosporum, Colletotrichumgloeosporioides, Botryodiplodia theobromae, and Rhizopus stolonifer.

Additionally, Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium expansum, andAspergillus niger are also common contaminants of various food systems,including fresh produce. These fungi typically grow at moisture contentof 15 to 20% in equilibrium with a relative humidity of 65 to 90% andtemperatures up to 55° C. They are harsher when temperatures surpass 25°C. and relative humidity goes above 85%.

Control of these organisms is very difficult, even with preharvestanti-microbial application. Therefore, it would be advantageous toprovide new and improved systems for reducing or preventing microbialgrowth, such as but not limited to fungal growth, in food systems, suchas but not limited to fresh produce, such as but not limited to berries(e.g., strawberries, blueberries and/or the like), which overcome atleast one of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, apackaging system is provided for the controlled release of variousanti-microbial compounds, including but not limited to anti-fungalcompounds, by incorporating them into a package insert. The anti-fungalcompounds can include various compositions and/or mixtures ofcompositions. By way of a non-limiting example, the anti-fungalcompounds can include two or more components that can be selectivelymixed or combined to produce a gas or vapor that has anti-fungalproperties. The anti-fungal compounds can be incorporated into acontainer or sachet (e.g., porous or discontinuous (e.g., with holes,slits, and/or the like)) that is in turn incorporated into a portion ofthe package insert (e.g., on or in a bottom surface thereof). Thepackage insert can include various surfaces (e.g., chimneys, spikes,pillars, walls, corrugations, and/or the like) that include a pluralityof holes formed therein. The package insert can be placed in the producepackage, with the fresh produce introduced therein such that at leastsome of the fresh produce is in proximity to the plurality of holes. Asthe anti-fungal compounds begin, or continue, to diffuse or otherwise beemitted from the plurality of holes, they protect the packaged freshproduce from attack by fungal organisms.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a producepackaging system is provided, comprising: (1) a package defining aninternal space; (2) an insert operable to be received within theinternal space of the package, wherein the insert includes an outersurface and an inner surface, wherein the insert is provided with aplurality of apertures formed thereon; and (3) at least oneanti-microbial compound disposed within or on the inner surface of theinsert, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound is operable todiffuse through the plurality of apertures into the internal space ofthe package.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, aproduce packaging system is provided, comprising: (1) a package definingan internal space, the internal space being operable to receive anamount of produce; (2) an insert operable to be received within theinternal space of the package, wherein the insert includes an outersurface and an inner surface, wherein the produce is operable to beplaced onto the outer surface of the insert, wherein the insert isprovided with a plurality of apertures formed thereon; and (3) at leastone anti-microbial compound disposed within or on the inner surface ofthe insert, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound is operableto diffuse through the plurality of apertures into the internal space ofthe package and contact the produce.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, aninsert system for a produce packaging system is provided, the producepackaging system including a package defining an internal space,comprising: (1) an insert operable to be received within the internalspace of the package, wherein the insert includes a base portion and anupstanding portion extending upwardly away from the base portion,wherein the insert includes an outer surface and an inner surface,wherein the insert is provided with a plurality of apertures formedthereon; and (2) at least one anti-microbial compound disposed within oron the inner surface of the insert, wherein the at least oneanti-microbial compound is operable to diffuse through the plurality ofapertures into the internal space of the package.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a package insert, in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of an alternative package insert, inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a is a bottom perspective view of a package insert showing asustained release device, in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of the package insert showing a sustainedrelease device depicted in FIG. 2 a, wherein gas, vapor, or volatiles ofan anti-fungal compound are released, in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package system having a package insertreceived therein, wherein a sustained release device is producing gas,vapor, or volatiles of an anti-fungal compound in proximity to freshproduce, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, oruses.

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, apackage insert (i.e., a distribution gas insert) is provided for use inconjunction with packaging systems, especially those used for containingfresh produce, such as but not limited to berries (e.g., strawberries,blueberries and/or the like). However, it should be appreciated that thepresent invention can be practiced in connection with any type ofpackaged fresh produce, or other foodstuff, that is susceptible tomicrobial growth, including but not limited to fungal growth.

In accordance with one embodiment, a package insert is generally shownat 10 in FIG. 1 a. In this embodiment, the package insert 10 includes abase portion 12 and an upstanding wall or bridge portion 14. Theupstanding wall portion 14 includes first and second major faces 16, 18,and at least one side face 20. Formed on the respective base and floorportions are a plurality of holes 22 that are operable to communicatewith an interior portion 24 of the package insert 10. By way of anon-limiting example, a container or sachet 26 can be disposed and/orreceived within the interior portion 24, the purpose of which will beexplained herein. Alternatively, the container or sachet 26 can beplaced on the bottom surface of the base portion 12.

In accordance with another embodiment, an alternative package insert isgenerally shown at 100 in FIG. 1 b. In this embodiment, the packageinsert 100 includes a base portion 102 and at least one upstandingchimney, pipe, cylinder or tube portion 104. The chimney portion 104includes a rounded surface 106 (although any number of configurationswould be suitable). Formed on the respective base and chimney portionsare a plurality of holes 108 that are operable to communicate with aninterior portion 110 of the package insert 100. By way of a non-limitingexample, a container or sachet 112 can be disposed and/or receivedwithin the interior portion 110, the purpose of which will be explainedherein.

The design of the package system that will receive the package insert ofthe present invention will ensure that a proper distribution of gases,vapors, and/or volatiles has been developed (e.g., by using softwaresuch as Solidworks® (parametric software for 3D modeling) and Fluent®(computational fluid dynamics)). Ultimately, the packaging system of thepresent invention will maximize the flow of gas or volatiles inside thepackage. An intended objective of the present invention is to expose thetotal overall surface of the fresh produce, especially “hard to reach”areas that may otherwise not be sufficiently exposed to the releasedgas, vapor, or volatiles.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the container orsachet is intended to house various anti-microbial compounds, includingbut not limited to anti-fungal compounds, and/or mixtures thereof. Byway of a non-limiting example, these compounds can include, withoutlimitation, various naturally-occurring volatile compounds such as butnot limited to hexanal, acetaldehyde, and 2E-hexanal. These volatilescan be incorporated (e.g., microencapsulated) into various carriers(including but not limited to biodegradable carriers), such as but notlimited to cyclodextrins, to prevent premature release and so to allowslow diffusion over a long period of time. These microencapsulatedvolatiles can be incorporated into the container or sachet, whereuponthey can diffuse out of the container or sachet, up through the holesformed in the package insert, and throughout the rest of the volume ofthe produce container, thus aiding in the preservation of the freshproduce from attack by fungal organisms.

In addition to the compounds previously described, the followingvolatile compounds, including those having anti-microbial and/oranti-fungal properties, can also be used in the practice of the presentinvention, such as but not limited to cinnamic acid,1-methylcyclopropene, isoprene, terpenes, as well as any other volatileorganic compounds (VOCs) which could be later released. By way of anon-limiting example, additional possible compounds can include2-nonanone, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, methyl jasmonate, benzaldehyde, propanal,butanal, ethanol, acetic acid, allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), thymol,eugenol, citral, vanillin, trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid,salicylic acid, furfural, β-ionone, 1-nonanol, nonanal, 3-hexanone,2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, and/or the like.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theanti-microbial and/or anti-fungal compounds can comprise ClO₂ beingapplied (e.g., as a gas or vapor) to the fresh produce. By way of anon-limiting example, this system will slowly release the ClO₂ onceactivated. This type of product is readily commercially available fromICA TriNova (Forest Park, Ga.), a supplier of ClO₂ sustained releasesachet technology.

Briefly, the ICA TriNova Z-Series ClO₂ technology involves generatingthe gas by mixing two dry solids, i.e., a ClO₂ precursor and anactivator. There is a wide range of ClO₂ release rates and patternsachieved through the choice and pretreatment of granular solid supportmaterials, post-treatment of impregnates, and the ratio of precursor toactivator solids. By combination of these variables, products can bedesigned for rapid release over minutes (or hours), to slow steadyrelease over weeks.

By way of a non-limiting example, the number and dimensions of thepackage inserts will be determined as a function of the internal volumeof the package system. The gas, vapor, or volatiles released from thecontainer or sachet will be carried through the internal volume of thepackage insert, slowly permeate throughout the material, escape throughthe holes (e.g., mini-pores) and spread inside of the package system andthroughout the fresh produce. Furthermore, the distribution process(e.g., interstate transportation) and temperature can influence the flowof the gas throughout the package system.

By way of a non-limiting example, the ICA TriNova Z-Series ClO₂technology involves generating chlorine dioxide by mixing two drysolids, e.g., a ClO₂ precursor and an activator. For example, thetechnology allows for using either sodium chlorite or sodium chlorate asthe ClO₂ precursor and these materials can be used in either crystallineor impregnated forms. The activator is a granular porous solidimpregnated with an acid or with an acid precursor. Chlorine dioxide isproduced by a disproportionation reaction as the two dry solids aremixed: 4H⁺+5Na ClO₂→4ClO₂+NaCl+4Na⁺+2H₂O. The efficiency of thisreaction is optimized by maintaining localized pH between 2-4 at theparticle-to-particle interface.

The containers or sachets can generate chlorine dioxide either in a gasspace or in solution by submerging them in water. For solutionapplications, the sachets are constructed of a porous material that isboth water impermeable and gas permeable. For some applications, such assurface decontamination, a single media dry powder product is moreappropriate than a sachet. The dry powder is a stabilized form ofimpregnate that is activated by environmental conditions or by contactwith the surface being treated.

The containers or sachets can be designed to produce at levels of about0.1 mg to about 50 g of chlorine dioxide.

Referring to FIG. 2 a, there is shown a device 200 to sustain releasegas, vapor or volatiles placed at the bottom of the package insert 202(e.g., in this case a sachet) and how the package insert 202 directs anddistributes the gas, vapors, or volatiles. The amount of gas permeatingthrough the package insert 202 will be regulated by the amount and sizeof the holes 204 (e.g., mini-pores) (e.g., ranging between 1 to 0.05 mmin diameter), as well as the permeability of the material comprising thepackage insert 202 (e.g., a polymer) toward the specific gas, vapor, orvolatile. Referring specifically to FIG. 2 b, the gas, vapor, orvolatiles (e.g., see the curvy and broken arrowheaded lines) of ananti-fungal compound are shown as being released from the package insert202 in a generalized pattern, although the pattern may vary withdifferent package insert designs.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a package insert 300 with thesustained release device 302 (e.g., container or sachet) placed inside apackage system 304, in this case a strawberry container (although anycontainer will suffice), wherein the produce is shown in phantom. Thegas, vapor, or volatiles (e.g., see the curvy and broken arrowheadedlines) of an anti-fungal compound are shown as being released within thepackage system 304 and at least partially enveloping the fresh producetherein. As previously noted, the size and number of package inserts 300within any particular package system 304 will depend on thecapacity/internal volume of the package system 304 and the desired doseof gas, vapor or volatiles.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A produce packaging system, comprising: a package defining aninternal space; an insert operable to be received within the internalspace of the package; wherein the insert includes an outer surface andan inner surface; wherein the insert is provided with a plurality ofapertures formed thereon; and at least one anti-microbial compounddisposed within or on the inner surface of the insert; wherein the atleast one anti-microbial compound is operable to diffuse through theplurality of apertures into the internal space of the package.
 2. Theinvention according to claim 1, wherein the internal space is operableto receive an amount of produce.
 3. The invention according to claim 2,wherein the produce is operable to be placed onto the outer surface ofthe insert.
 4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the at leastone anti-microbial compound is operable to contact the produce.
 5. Theinvention according to claim 1, wherein the insert includes a baseportion and an upstanding wall portion.
 6. The invention according toclaim 1, wherein the insert includes a base portion and at least oneupstanding cylinder portion.
 7. The invention according to claim 1,wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound is disposed within acontainer or sachet.
 8. The invention according to claim 1, wherein theat least one anti-microbial compound is encapsulated.
 9. The inventionaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compoundis comprised of a material selected from the group consisting ofhexanal, acetaldehyde, and 2E-hexanal.
 10. The invention according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound is comprisedof a material selected from the group consisting of cinnamic acid,1-methylcyclopropene, isoprene, terpenes, 2-nonanone, cis-3-hexen-1-ol,methyl jasmonate, benzaldehyde, propanal, butanal, ethanol, acetic acid,allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), thymol, eugenol, citral, vanillin,trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, furfural, β-ionone,1-nonanol, nonanal, 3-hexanone, 2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, andcombinations thereof.
 11. The invention according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one anti-microbial compound is comprised of ClO₂.
 12. Theinvention according to claim 1, wherein the at least one anti-microbialcompound is released over a sustained period of time.
 13. The inventionaccording to claim 1, wherein the produce is a berry.
 14. A producepackaging system, comprising: a package defining an internal space, theinternal space being operable to receive an amount of produce; an insertoperable to be received within the internal space of the package;wherein the insert includes an outer surface and an inner surface;wherein the produce is operable to be placed onto the outer surface ofthe insert; wherein the insert is provided with a plurality of aperturesformed thereon; and at least one anti-microbial compound disposed withinor on the inner surface of the insert; wherein the at least oneanti-microbial compound is operable to diffuse through the plurality ofapertures into the internal space of the package and contact theproduce.
 15. The invention according to claim 14, wherein the insertincludes a base portion and an upstanding wall portion.
 16. Theinvention according to claim 14, wherein the insert includes a baseportion and at least one upstanding cylinder portion.
 17. The inventionaccording to claim 14, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compoundis disposed within a container or sachet.
 18. The invention according toclaim 14, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound isencapsulated.
 19. The invention according to claim 14, wherein the atleast one anti-microbial compound is comprised of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of hexanal, acetaldehyde, and 2E-hexanal. 20.The invention according to claim 14, wherein the at least oneanti-microbial compound is comprised of a material selected from thegroup consisting of cinnamic acid, 1-methylcyclopropene, isoprene,terpenes, 2-nonanone, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, methyl jasmonate, benzaldehyde,propanal, butanal, ethanol, acetic acid, allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC),thymol, eugenol, citral, vanillin, trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid,salicylic acid, furfural, β-ionone, 1-nonanol, nonanal, 3-hexanone,2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, and combinations thereof.
 21. The inventionaccording to claim 14, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compoundis comprised of ClO₂.
 22. The invention according to claim 14, whereinthe at least one anti-microbial compound is released over a sustainedperiod of time.
 23. The invention according to claim 14, wherein theproduce is a berry.
 24. An insert system for a produce packaging system,the produce packaging system including a package defining an internalspace, comprising: an insert operable to be received within the internalspace of the package; wherein the insert includes a base portion and anupstanding portion extending upwardly away from the base portion;wherein the insert includes an outer surface and an inner surface;wherein the insert is provided with a plurality of apertures formedthereon; and at least one anti-microbial compound disposed within or onthe inner surface of the insert; wherein the at least one anti-microbialcompound is operable to diffuse through the plurality of apertures intothe internal space of the package.
 25. The invention according to claim24, wherein the internal space is operable to receive an amount ofproduce.
 26. The invention according to claim 24, wherein the produce isoperable to be placed onto the outer surface of the insert.
 27. Theinvention according to claim 24, wherein the at least one anti-microbialcompound is operable to contact the produce.
 28. The invention accordingto claim 24, wherein the upstanding portion includes a wall portion or acylinder portion.
 29. The invention according to claim 24, wherein theat least one anti-microbial compound is disposed within a container orsachet.
 30. The invention according to claim 24, wherein the at leastone anti-microbial compound is encapsulated.
 31. The invention accordingto claim 24, wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound iscomprised of a material selected from the group consisting of hexanal,acetaldehyde, and 2E-hexanal.
 32. The invention according to claim 24,wherein the at least one anti-microbial compound is comprised of amaterial selected from the group consisting of cinnamic acid,1-methylcyclopropene, isoprene, terpenes, 2-nonanone, cis-3-hexen-1-ol,methyl jasmonate, benzaldehyde, propanal, butanal, ethanol, acetic acid,allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), thymol, eugenol, citral, vanillin,trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, furfural, β-ionone,1-nonanol, nonanal, 3-hexanone, 2-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, andcombinations thereof.
 33. The invention according to claim 24, whereinthe at least one anti-microbial compound is comprised of ClO₂.
 34. Theinvention according to claim 24, wherein the at least one anti-microbialcompound is released over a sustained period of time.
 35. The inventionaccording to claim 24, wherein the produce is a berry.